We Spaniards gain an average of 2 to 4 kilos every Christmas and alcohol is one of the main culprits.
In the absence of Three Kings Day, Christmas is about to come to an end. Raise your hand whoever has also gained weight this holiday season! And it is that, according to the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition, the Spaniards put on weight an average of 2 to 4Kg every Christmas. Not only are the holidays such, but we attend to a series of social commitments that usually include food and/or alcoholic beverages, making it easier to gain weight on these dates.
One of the main factors responsible for these extra kilos is alcohol, which, as explained by José Manuel Santana, member of food for the College of Pharmacists of Valladolid, provides what they call ”empty calories”, which is an extra supply of a lot of energy without providing essential nutrients for the functioning of our body.
“We will again avoid unhealthy foods and return to our sports routine as soon as possible, without excuses”
“In addition, it affects the metabolic and endocrine levels, causing hypoglycemia (which encourages us to eat) and hyperuricemia (which can lead to the well-known” gout “), increasing the synthesis of triglycerides. In other words, it causes us a picture of metabolic disorders that, if we are habitual consumers of this type of drink, can end up in metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, gout…”, adds the expert.
HOW DO FIGHT THE EXCESSES AFTER THE HOLIDAYS?
According to José Manuel Santana, ”returning to our usual routine, but is stricter. We will again avoid unhealthy foods and return to our sports routine as soon as possible, without excuses.
And is that physical exercise is essential, both physically and mentally. From strength work, which prevents injuries and prevents sarcopenia in old age, to aerobic work (swimming, running, or cycling). ”All types of sport, without falling into overtraining, is one of the best preventive medicines. In addition to accelerating our metabolism, making it more efficient, it protects our cardiorespiratory health and gives us a better quality of life for our future”, comments the specialist.
Also, rest is another very important aspect. “A good rest allows our body to recover from the day-to-day routine, improves our physical condition if we regularly practice sports, clears our minds, improves the appearance of our skin,” concludes José Manuel Santana.
